On November 23, 2004, after an
unexpected delay, the Florida Highway Patrol's 108th Basic and Certified Officers recruit class graduated in a ceremony at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director, Fred Dickinson, introduced Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner, Guy Tunnell, as the Commencement Speaker for the graduation exercises. Of the 50 graduates, eight were selected to receive special recognition, receiving awards as follows:

The 108th Basic Recruit Class began their training May 24, 2004, while the members of the Certified Officers Recruit Class didn't begin until September 20, 2004. After completing their respective
27 week and 8 week stints at the Academy in training, the Basic and Certified Officer Recruits were eager to receive their diplomas and badges and take their oath of office. The graduates must still complete 10 weeks of field training in their newly assigned districts before they are released to solo patrol.